[ath-let-iks] /æθˈlɛt ɪks/ are heard frequently with an epenthetic schwa, an intrusive unstressed vowel inserted between the first and second syllables:

[ath-uh-leet] /ˈæθ əˌlit/

[ath-uh-let-ik] /ˌæθ əˈlɛt ɪk/ and

[ath-uh-let-iks] /ˌæθ əˈlɛt ɪks/ . The pronunciations containing the extra syllable are usually considered nonstandard, in spite of their widespread use on radio and television. Pronunciations with similarly intrusive vowels are also heard, though with less currency, for other words, as

[fil-uh m] /ˈfɪl əm/ for film,

[el-uh m] /ˈɛl əm/ for elm, and

[ahr-thuh-rahy-tis] /ˌɑr θəˈraɪ tɪs/ for arthritis, rather than the standard

athlete

n.

early 15c., from Latin athleta "a wrestler, athlete, combatant in public games," from Greek athletes "prizefighter, contestant in the games," agent noun from athlein "to contest for a prize," related to athlos "a contest" and athlon "a prize," of unknown origin. Before 1750, usually in Latin form. In this sense, Old English had plegmann "play-man." Athlete's foot first recorded 1928, for an ailment that has been around much longer.